R&D Database Administrator

 The Dow Chemical Company has an exciting and challenging position in the Information Research and Informatics discipline of Core R&D as a Development Specialist, located in Midland, Michigan.  The work group is engaged in providing the specialized computing support needed in Research and Development, including the computing support for High Throughput Research.  The successful candidate will be engaged as part of a team in a variety of activities, including requirements analysis for computing systems to be developed, developing computer applications which support R&D activities, and developing documentation and training for those applications.  This position will require database administration skills and experience. The Development Specialist is responsible for supporting Oracle and SQL Server databases and ensuring their performance, availability and security.  Experience with Agile Software Engineering Methodologies is needed, along with development experience and support techniques for long term sustainable software.  The R&D Development Specialist is tasked with data visualization and data mining techniques, thus experience with managing and representing very large data sets is crucial.  Typical responsibilities include: Configuring, installing and maintaining multiple database instances Supporting monitoring tools Performance tuning, upgrading database application software Completing database replication, data backup and recovery procedures, reorganizing tables and indexes Application tuning using Oracle Enterprise Manager and other tools Performing database space/capacity management and error analysis, remediation and prevention Developing and reviewing database structures, standards, and procedures for adherence to standards PL/SQL and stored procedure development Understanding of SOA, data consolidation and data federation strategies The Development Specialist is also charged with gathering and documenting database requirements for High Throughput Research Informatics Deployment.  This individual will work with team members to determine optimum approach and solutions and lead small development efforts by driving the delivery of a partner application.  Participation in Agile project management processes will be utilized to ensure that customer expectations are met.  Other job duties include documenting findings on best practices using R&D's scientific report format, becoming a Subject Matter Expert in Database Development, and work closely with global teams in US, Europe and Asia.  Willingness to utilize resource collaboration and empirical process is imperative to success in this environment.  Agile and rapid approaches to software development are emphasized, and a typical project may include customers and team members in global R&D locations.  The Development Specialist will need to be able to adapt and lead in a rapidly changing dynamic environment.  B.S. or M.S. in Computer Science or Engineering is required.  B.S. in a physical science (Chemistry or Chem E.) is a strong plus.Five years of experience in database design, administration and support is strongly desire, but not required.  Ability to work in a dynamic environment where frequent change from customers is commonplace will be required as well.Knowledge of programs including Microsoft (.Net), Oracle, SQL Server and web technologies - especially Service Oriented Architecure is strongly desired.   At Dow, we are harnessing the power of science and technology to improve the lives of people around the world. We are accomplishing this by empowering our people - the Human Element - to lead change. To recognize their outstanding efforts and contributions, we offer a total rewards package which is considered top tier in our industry.   Dow offers: Competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits An annual variable pay program that rewards team and individual performance and shares company, business or functional success Employee stock ownership - and the commitment to long-term success that it brings On-going learning opportunities in a rewarding work environment Career experiences that can span different Dow businesses and functions with opportunities for personal and professional growth The chance to work on global teams with colleagues around the world and in different locations. Additional Information: Travel Percentage: 5%